LPC launches Trendline report

LPC has released its inaugural LPC Trendline report, an annual research initiative capturing converter perspectives and emerging trends shaping the North American label industry.

Based on survey responses and in-depth conversations with more than 70 narrow web label converters across the US and Canada, the report examines how converters are approaching capital investment, labor challenges, customer expectations and technology adoption as they enter 2026.

The findings point to a market that remains active and adaptive, but more discerning in equipment acquisitions and new system integration. Converters are investing with far more scrutiny and tighter ROI expectations, with a stronger emphasis on automation that adds to the bottom line, operational efficiency gains and workforce options that reduce reliance on hard-to-find labor.

A key component of the research focused on differences by converter size. The report highlights distinct contrasts between small to mid-sized converters and large multi-site organizations, particularly around labor strategies, packaging buyer demands, supply chain transparency and CAPEX planning.

To ensure strong participation from smaller and mid-sized converters, LPC partnered with Flexo Label Advantage Group (FLAG) as part of the research process.

'We speak directly with people in the industry every day due to the different types of work we do for our clients. This inaugural Trendline report is an exciting development for us and is a result of conversations we've had with both converters and suppliers, and the need for research and reporting that truly speaks to companies' concerns and the real-time implications of being a company wanting to grow in today's business environment,' commented Jennifer Dochstader, co-founder of LPC.

'Additionally, FLAG's partnership was invaluable. Their engagement helped us capture a much clearer picture of how small to mid-sized converters are experiencing today's market pressures and where they're focusing their attention heading into the year ahead,' Dochstader added.

The inaugural LPC Trendline report is available now and will be updated annually as LPC continues its research and converter outreach efforts.